I Noticed.

I noticed when the energy shifted.

When my name was mentioned and the room got quiet.

When I started being left out of things I used to be part of.

When no one asked if I was okay,

Just assumed I was being “difficult.”

I noticed when I wasn’t invited,

When no one thought to include me.

I noticed when I was convenient,

But not when I needed support back.

I noticed when people believed what they wanted to believe,

Because the truth was too uncomfortable.

I noticed when they didn’t ask.

Didn’t check in.

Didn’t care to understand.

I noticed the silence when I spoke up.

I noticed how fast they rallied behind the wrong person.

I noticed how often I gave grace no one returned.

I noticed how loud the absence was.

On birthdays.

During breakdowns.

When my world fell apart and no one called.

I noticed the way they smiled to my face

And passed out knives behind my back.

I noticed the excuses, the shifting blame,

The way my boundaries made me the villain.

Yes,

I took it personally.

Because it was.

I deserved better.

And now,

I choose to walk away.